We hope that you have had an enjoyable and relaxing summer. In Washington Township, we have been preparing for students to return and look forward to the first day of school on Thursday, August 6. Please review the 2026-27 District calendar here.
Please also note that the eLearning days that took place last school year on September 16, 2025 and March 3, 2026 have been changed to regular in-person school days.
Referendum Update
Promise, Progress, & Renewal
Operating Referendum Renewal on November Ballot - Key Points
The operating referendum renewal is an important matter that will impact the future funding of Washington Township schools. We encourage you to review the facts and stay informed as additional information becomes available.
Renew, NOT Raise – This is a renewal of the existing operating referendum and community’s investment, not a new tax or a tax increase.
Keeping Our Promise – We are maintaining the same tax rate, even as many other Indiana school districts seek increases.
Strong Schools, Strong Community – High-quality traditional public schools help protect property values, attract families, and strengthen our local economy.
People, Not Buildings – This funding supports teachers, staff, student programs, and daily operations—not construction projects.
Supporting Every Student - This funding allows us to continue to attract and retain exceptional educators and professionals who serve nearly 11,000 students every day.
Fueling Our Local Economy – More than 1,000 District employees live in Washington Township, supporting local businesses and strengthening our community.
Stability in Uncertain Times – Renewing the referendum provides financial stability to retain staff and sustain student programming amid unpredictable federal and state funding and legislative changes.
Resources, including the answers to frequently asked questions about school funding, property taxes, and the potential impact on our schools, are available on the District website.
You are encouraged to stay informed by attending School Board meetings and following updates through the District website and official social media channels.
We Grow Panthers Spotlight
Cultivating students to staff is one initiative in our strategic plan, and a clear demonstration of how we grow panthers in Washington Township. We are proud and honored when one of our very own, joins our professional staff team. Welcome to Ms. R. and others on staff who hold the important title, North Central Alumni.
What a dream it is to be returning to the district that started it all for me! This August, I’ll be beginning my first year teaching 1st grade in Washington Township, and I couldn’t be more excited.” - Ms. R.
1st Grade Teacher at Crooked Creek
Child Nutrition
We are excited to begin another school year and look forward to serving our students with nutritious, high-quality meals that support learning and success every day.
As you prepare for the 2026–2027 school year, we encourage all families to review the 2026-2027 Meal Guide. It contains important information about school meal programs, eligibility, meal pricing, payment options, account management, special dietary accommodations, and other helpful resources to ensure your student is ready for a successful start to the school year.
We encourage all families, especially those with students at North Central, to create and monitor an account through myPaymentsplus.
We look forward to serving your family and wish everyone a healthy, happy, and successful school year!
Transportation
All students enrolled in Washington Township Schools by July 24 will have bus transportation set up in time for the start of school. Families who met this deadline may check Skyward for bus information as of August 1. Our routing team will continue to add students to routes as enrollment progresses.
Enrollment and Transportation Schedule:
Enrolled by July 24
➝ Bus information available in Skyward beginning August 1
➝ Students may ride the bus starting the first day of school
Enrolled July 27–August 6
➝ Transportation will be arranged
➝ Students may begin riding August 13
Enrolled August 7–August 14
➝ Transportation will be arranged
➝ Students may begin riding August 20
Bus Transportation Status Form:
If you submitted a Bus Transportation Status Form, the same enrollment timelines apply. Families may provide one AM pick-up address and one PM drop-off address, as long as both are within the student’s school boundaries.
To foster the most effective school-home communications experience and for the safety of your student(s), please ensure we have the most up-to-date and accurate contact information on file. All families are asked to log into Skyward Family Accessand complete the data cleanup process. When adding your information, PLEASE INCLUDE AT LEAST ONE functional email address and phone number, as this is our source for sending important ParentSquare communications throughout the school year.
NOTE: You will be prompted to change your password (if you haven’t already done so) to meet current security standards. As you update your contact information, you will have the option to save and come back later (step-by-step directions) have been provided to help guide you through this process). If you encounter difficulty accessing or logging into Skyward, please email skyward@msdwt.k12.in.us.
Safe Visitors/Background Checks
New Electronic Volunteer Background Check Process
We're making it easier than ever for parents, guardians, and community members to volunteer in Washington Township Schools! Beginning this school year, all volunteer background checks are completed electronically through our district website. Simply visit https://www.msdwt.k12.in.us/volunteer-requirements, select Students & Families, then
Volunteer Requirements to complete your application. Please allow at least 14 business days for processing before your volunteer activity.
Volunteers now have two background check options:
Limited Criminal History Check – Free, valid for one year, and renewed annually.
Expanded Criminal History Check – Volunteer-paid, valid for three years, providing a convenient option for families and community members who volunteer frequently. (An Expanded Criminal History Check is also required for volunteers serving in roles involving the sole care, custody, or control of students or overnight supervision.)
Thank you for partnering with us to help keep our students safe while supporting our schools!
This school year brings changes to student technology & cell phone policy.
In Washington Township Schools, we aim to ensure students build the digital skills necessary for success while preserving meaningful opportunities for hands-on learning, collaboration, and in-person connections, that are developmentally appropriate and essential to how students learn and grow.
In our classrooms, technology is to be used with clear purpose and intention to enhance learning, not replace it. We want students to think critically, stay engaged, and remain connected to their learning community while also developing the skills to use technology as a tool for innovation and problem-solving.
State expectations also require students to build digital proficiency at an early age, including foundational STEM standards in Kindergarten and First Grade, and digital assessments beginning in primary grades. As a result, students will engage with technology in developmentally appropriate ways that support both skill-building and academic growth.
We will continue to keep our families informed about how we are working toward the perfect balance between building skills with digital tools while also doing so in a developmentally appropriate manner.
Bell-to-Bell No CELL (All Students)
New state law requires that personal wireless devices may not be used during the school day beginning July 1, 2026. This policy includes cell phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, and all other internet-capable devices, including smart glasses.
All personal wireless devices must be powered off and stored for the entire school day, including during lunch and passing periods. THIS WILL BE A CHANGE FOR NC STUDENTS!
Students who have medical or educational accommodations may have those addressed through a health plan, 504 plan, or IEP. Families will work with their school team to discuss the need for these types of accommodations.
As with any significant change to policies and routines, we will need parental support to reinforce this expectation so educators can stay focused on teaching rather than managing devices. This includes setting a good example by not contacting students during the school day. Your child's school will communicate ways to assist you in conveying information to your child if needed during the school day.
Students who do not follow these expectations will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with our Student Code of Conduct. Specific guidelines outlined in our Student Handbooks will be released by schools with back-to-school communications.
30 Years For MIC
Washington Township joins the Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference (MIC) in celebrating 30 years of one of the most historic and successful athletic conferences in Indiana. We are excited to welcome Carmel and Center Grove back to the conference and look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence that defines the MIC - not only in athletics, but also in our classrooms, on our stages, and in every area where our students compete, perform, and achieve. Watch this short video highlighting North Central students and students from our MIC family.
Calling All Washington Township Student Artists!
The Washington Township Schools Foundation is inviting all PreK–12 students to participate in a fun Student Sticker Design Challenge to help promote BASH ’26, Washington Township’s biggest night! This year's BASH theme, "The Art of Community," celebrates the creativity, connection, and school spirit that make Washington Township special. We're looking for up to seven original student designs to be featured as stickers on the official BASH '26 invitation postcard and other event materials.
Students can create their design using any medium—from crayons and markers to paint or digital art—as long as it can be reproduced as a 1-inch sticker.
Deadline: August 14th
Selected artists will have their work showcased as part of WTSF’s largest fundraising event and receive special recognition.
Ready to create? Find contest guidelines HERE and submit your artwork HERE
WTS is Hiring
Currently Accepting Applications for the Following Positions
Each day we teach our students the importance of civic education. The general election is November 3. Make sure to check your registration status, register to vote, or update your information by visiting www.IndianaVoters.com by the October 5 deadline. Register To Vote
